The BEMA Podcast

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear the voice of Zephaniah as he warns the kingdom of Judah of impending judgment.Discussion Video for BEMA 54Transcript for BEMA 54

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings juxtapose the book of Jonah against the other Assyrian prophet to Israel—the book of Nahum—looking at the other side of the equation of how God deals with evil.Discussion Video for BEMA 53Information on BEMA Trips [Marty doesn’t need more emails]Transcript for BEMA 53

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the book of Jonah and try to uncover the message buried in this most unusual prophet.Jonah — Potential Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 52The Meaning of the Story of Jonah — Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.Transcript for BEMA 52

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the first of four voices found in Isaiah — the pre-Assyrian voice that condemned the greed and injustice of the people of Judah.NB: Due to a malfunction with our original recording, this episode was recorded in 2021. Our environments and equipment setups have changed, but we did our best to present it as it was in 2017.1 Isaiah — Vineyard Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 51Out of Babylon by Walter BrueggemannThe Prophets by Abraham Joshua HeschelTranscript for BEMA 51

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the warning of the prophet Micah as he speaks to the people of Judah about what God truly desires.NB: Due to a malfunction with our original recording, this episode was recorded in 2021. Our environments and equipment setups have changed, but we did our best to present it as it was in 2017.Discussion Video for BEMA 50Transcript for BEMA 50

A simplified version of the daily prayer from Hosea 2. This recording is meant to follow Episode 49. Verastikh le l'olam Verastikh lib'tzedek      uve'mishpat, uve'chesed, uve'rachamim Verastikh lib'emuna, v'yadat et Adonai I will betroth you to myself forever. I will betroth you to myself in righteousness,      and in justice, and in love, and in compassion. I will betroth you to myself in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord.

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the message of Hosea as depicted in the prophetic theater of his own life through his marriage to the prostitute Gomer.Verastikh — Learn HebrewDiscussion Video for BEMA 49Transcript for BEMA 49

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings explore the book of Amos on a quest to find the heart of God as expressed in the first of His many mouthpieces.Amos — Plumb Line Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 48The Prophets by Abraham Joshua HeschelPlumb Line — WikipediaTranscript for BEMA 48

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the remaining books in Tanakh, most of which are prophets, attempting to understand prophetic history as a whole and the setting for each period of history.The Lord’s Mouthpiece Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 47Out of Babylon by Walter BrueggemannTranscript for BEMA 47

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the underaddressed book called Song of Songs and explore the ramifications of avoiding the topic of sexuality.Discussion Video for BEMA 46Sex God by Rob BellNOOMA 002: Flame by Rob BellThe Zimzum of Love by Rob and Kristen BellTranscript for BEMA 46

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and special guest Kevin Luo continue our study of wisdom literature, examining the collection of Proverbs and the teaching of Ecclesiastes.Discussion Video for BEMA 45Kevin Luo on TwitterA Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held EvansLess Is More Than Enough by Chris McNaught“How Great Leaders Inspire Action” by Simon Senek — TEDNOOMA 012: Matthew by Rob BellTranscript for BEMA 45

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and special guest Kevin Luo discuss the collection of ancient songs known as the Psalms.Discussion Video for BEMA 44Classifying the Psalms by GenreKevin Luo on TwitterTranscript for BEMA 44

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up a look at the kings of Israel, exploring the story of Naaman and its implications for us today.Discussion Video for BEMA 43Transcript for BEMA 43

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the story of Elijah and the lessons learned by one of Israel’s greatest prophets.Discussion Video for BEMA 42Where God Was Born by Bruce FeilerMap of Phoenicia, Late Bronze Age — WikipediaTranscript for BEMA 42

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings revisit the two sources comprising this portion of the biblical narrative, analyzing the agendas found in each. They attempt to look at the differences between the sources to understand the reigns of David and Solomon and the split of the nation of God’s people, ultimately helping us figure out what went wrong.The Story Behind the Story Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 41Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell and Don GoldenTranscript for BEMA 41

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin the journey to understanding the historical record of the united kingdom of Israel by taking a look at the two sources comprising this biblical narrative.One Story, Two Sources Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 40Transcript for BEMA 40

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue to examine the life of David, looking at the defeat of Goliath and making some general observations about the character of David.Discussion Video for BEMA 39Promised Land — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family)“The Unheard Story of David and Goliath” by Malcolm Gladwell — TEDValley of Elah — WikipediaJesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell and Don GoldenWhere God Was Born by Bruce FeilerThe Practice of the Presence of God by Brother LawrenceTranscript for BEMA 39

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a look at Israel’s first two kings and try to see what the Text is showing us in these two characters.Discussion Video for BEMA 38A Tale of Three Kings by Gene EdwardsTranscript for BEMA 38

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings zoom in on the mini-narrative of Ruth — one story where the mission of God is realized in the way Israel treats the alien, the orphan, and the widow.Discussion Video for BEMA 37Map of Moab and the Surrounding RegionTranscript for BEMA 37

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the book of Judges and the cycle found therein.Discussion Video for BEMA 36The Forgiving Flow, Part 2: Drop the Jawbone — The RobCast, Episode 39Make Your Mark by Brad GrayTranscript for BEMA 36

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the discussion of Joshua and bridge the gap toward the book of Judges, pondering the mission of God and His choice of real estate for His people.Crossroads of the Earth Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 35The Source by James A. MichenerTranscript for BEMA 35

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings address the nagging questions about the book of Joshua and its stories of mass slaughter and genocide.The Hardest Story in the Bible (for me) Presentation (PDF)Discussion Video for BEMA 34The Hardest Story in the Bible (for me) — Covered in His DustStele — WikipediaThe Forest in the Trees: Jesus — Woodland Hills (Greg Boyd)[no longer available] Why Is the Old Testament So Violent? (blog post)What Is the Bible? by Rob BellThe Source by James A. MichenerTranscript for BEMA 34

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings set the stage for Session 2 of the podcast. We review our journey through Torah to bring everyone up to speed for what we will study next.Session 2 Intro Presentation (PDF)BEMA Discipleship SupportBEMA Discipleship on FacebookBEMA Discipleship on TwitterTranscript for BEMA 33

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings give a summary of the Books of Moses at the conclusion of Session 1 of the podcast.Session 1 Capstone Presentation (PDF) Study Tools No Discussion Video for BEMA 32 The Companion for BEMA 32 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 32 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 11 August 2025 Original audio from 18 May 2017 Transcript for BEMA 32 of 18 May 2017

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent bring our study of Torah to a close by exploring the book of Deuteronomy, examining its call to remember our stories.Remember Where You Came From Presentation (PDF)The Epic of Eden by Sandra L. RichterTopic: Deuteronomy 32 — Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.“A Covenant Guarantee” by Ray Vander Laan — That the World May Know Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 31 The Companion for BEMA 31 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 31 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 4 August 2025 Original audio from 11 May 2017 Transcript for BEMA 31 of 11 May 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the discussion of the desert and the book of Numbers with the story of Moses striking the rock and subsequently having his entrance to the Promised Land denied.Why Was Moses Not Allowed into the Promised Land? — Aleph BetaWhy Couldn't Moses Enter The Land? — Aleph Beta Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 30 The Companion for BEMA 30 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 30 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 28 July 2025 Original audio from 4 May 2017 Transcript for BEMA 30 of 4 May 2017

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks continue the series on images found in the desert, seeing God’s continual use of the desert to minister to us and to teach us how to minister to others.Images of the Desert — Wadi and En Gedi Presentation (PDF)Lulav — Chabad.orgFlash Floods in Wadi Peres — YouTubeFlash Flood in Israel — YouTubeIsrael: Flash Floods Hit Negev Desert — AP Archive, YouTubeOnlookers caught in flash flood north of Oman — AFP, YouTubePickup vs. Flash Flood — YouTube Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 29 The Companion for BEMA 29 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 29 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 21 July 2025 Original audio from 27 April 2017 Transcript for BEMA 29 of 27 April 2017

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks continue the series on images we find in the desert, learning about the ar'ar and tamarisk trees and what they teach us about living in our own deserts.Images of the Desert — Ar'ar and Tamarisk Presentation (PDF)Noga Hareuveni — WikipediaWritten Works of Noga HareuveniHebrew University — WikipediaNational Botanic Garden of Israel — WikipediaTamarisk and Palm (Akkadian poem) — WikipediaTamarix (genus) — Wikipedia Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 28 The Companion for BEMA 28 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 28 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 14 July 2025 Original audio from 20 April 2017 Transcript for BEMA 28 of 20 April 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the rotem and acacia trees and what they teach us about living in our own deserts.Images of the Desert — Rotem and Acacia Presentation (PDF)The Story #28: New Beginnings (‘Each One’ Rant) sermon — YouTubeWalking with God in the Desert — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family)Hebrew University — WikipediaNoga Hareuveni — WikipediaWritten Works of Noga Hareuveni“The Broom Usually Grows in the Wilderness” — Bar-Ilan University (via Jim Feicht and Internet Archive) Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 27 The Companion for BEMA 27 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 27 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 7 July 2025 Original audio from 13 April 2017 Transcript for BEMA 27 of 13 April 2017

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks discuss the first in a series of images found in the desert—what it means to be a shepherd in the biblical world.Images of the Desert — Shepherd Presentation (PDF)Walking with God in the Desert — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family)Walking the Bible by Bruce FeilerThe Good Shepherd by Kenneth Bailey“Lawning and Gardening [with goats]” Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 26 The Companion for BEMA 26 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 26 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 30 June 2025 Original audio from 6 April 2017 Transcript for BEMA 26 of 6 April 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings give an overview of the book of Leviticus.A Kingdom of What? Presentation (PDF)Leviticus: The Book of Holiness, volume 3 of Covenant & Conversation by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (Amazon)Leviticus: The Book of Holiness, volume 3 of Covenant & Conversation by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (Sefaria)Leviticus: A Call to Priesthood (Sermon Series) — Real Life on the Palouse Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 25 The Companion for BEMA 25 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 25 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 23 June 2025 Original audio from 30 March 2017 Transcript for BEMA 25 of 30 March 2017

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Josh Bossé consider the implications of the story of the Tabernacle in our own pursuits of God.Creating a Space Presentation (PDF)With All Your Heart — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family)Walter Brueggemann, “An Alternative Way” — The Work of the PeopleThe Practice of the Presence of God by Brother LawrenceLess Is More Than Enough by Chris McNaughtOne Thousand Gifts by Ann VoskampFinding Our Way Again by Brian McLaren Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 24 The Companion for BEMA 24 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 24 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 16 June 2025 Original audio from 23 March 2017 Transcript for BEMA 24 of 23 March 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at the construction of the Tabernacle and its call to be a place of rest, covering Exodus 24–40.Falling on Joyful Faces Presentation (PDF)With All Your Heart — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 23 The Companion for BEMA 23 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 23 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 9 June 2025 Original audio from 16 March 2017 Transcript for BEMA 23 of 16 March 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss Israel’s arrival at Sinai and the ensuing covenant relationship with their God, covering Exodus 19–23.Under the Chuppah Presentation (PDF)NIV Archaeological Study BibleNIV Cultural Backgrounds Study BibleAncient Israel by Roland de VauxFamilies in Ancient Israel by Leo G. Perdue, Joseph Blenkinsopp, John J. Collins, and Carol MeyersJerusalem in the Time of Jesus by Joachim JeremiasBEMA 310: The Nativity Story Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 22 The Companion for BEMA 22 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 22 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 2 June 2025 Original audio from 9 March 2017 Transcript for BEMA 22 of 9 March 2017

A simplified version of the daily prayer from Deuteronomy 6 and Leviticus 19. This recording is meant to follow Episode 21. Sh'ma Israel, adonai elohenu, adonai echad Ve'ahavta et adonai eloiekah      b'khol levavkah      uve'khol naphshekah      uve'khol meodeikah Ve'ahavta lereyacha c'mocha Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Love the Lord your God      with all your heart,      with all your soul,      and with all your might. And love your neighbor as yourself.

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent explore the next two tests of God’s people on their way to Mount Sinai.With All Your Soul & “Very” Presentation (PDF)“Jesus Shema” — Learn HebrewThe Parable of the Leaven — LeAnn Dent, Campus Christian FellowshipGod Spreads a Table in the Wilderness — LeAnn Dent, Campus Christian FellowshipCampus Christian Fellowship, Truman State University Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 21 The Companion for BEMA 21 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 21 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 26 May 2025 Original audio from 2 March 2017 Transcript for BEMA 21 of 2 March 2017

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent look at the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea and dissect their first test on the way to Mount Sinai.With All Your Heart Presentation (PDF)Walking the Bible by Bruce FeilerThe Poetics of Biblical Narrative by Meir SternbergThe Torah: A Modern Commentary, edited by Rabbi W. Gunther PlautThat the World May Know — Faith Lessons, Volumes 1–12 (Amazon)God Heard Their Cry — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)Fire on the Mountain — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 20 The Companion for BEMA 20 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 20 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 19 May 2025 Original audio from 23 February 2017 Transcript for BEMA 20 of 23 February 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into the story of the Passover and its plagues, God’s interaction with Pharaoh, and the call of God’s rescued people.The Exodus You Almost Passed Over by Rabbi David FohrmanTefillin — WikipediaHistory of Monopoly — Wikipediakavad — Blue Letter Biblechazak — Blue Letter Bible Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 19 The Companion for BEMA 19 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 19 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 12 May 2025 Original audio from 16 February 2017 Transcript for BEMA 19 of 16 February 2017

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Josh Bossé set up the narrative of God’s story as a contrast between Empire and Shalom.That the World May Know — Faith Lessons, Volumes 1–12 (Amazon)God Heard Their Cry — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 18 The Companion for BEMA 18 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 18 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 5 May 2025 Original audio from 9 February 2017 Transcript for BEMA 18 of 9 February 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrap up the introduction to God’s story and set up the narrative of the remainder of Scripture in an effort to understand what God is rescuing His people from.A God Who Hears the Cry Presentation (PDF)Biblical Theme: Justice — BibleProjectVocab Insight: Tse’aqah / Outcry — BibleProjectThat the World May Know — Faith Lessons, Volumes 1–12 (Amazon)God Heard Their Cry — Ray Vander Laan (Amazon)TTWMK Faith Lessons on DVD and Digital (Focus on the Family) Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 17 The Companion for BEMA 17 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 17 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 28 April 2025 Original audio from 2 February 2017 Transcript for BEMA 17 of 2 February 2017

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks finish the study of the life of Joseph, covering Genesis 41–50.Out of the Pit Presentation (PDF)Rabbi David Fohrman — TorahAnytimeThe Joseph Story — Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.Genesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 16 The Companion for BEMA 16 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 16 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 21 April 2025 Original audio from 26 January 2017 Transcript for BEMA 16 of 26 January 2017

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Elle Grover Fricks begin our study of the life of Joseph, covering Genesis 37–40.Into the Pit Presentation (PDF) Biblical Clothing — WikipediaWhat Is the Palouse?Yibbum — Wikipedia Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 15 The Companion for BEMA 15 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 15 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 14 April 2025 Original audio from 19 January 2017 Transcript for BEMA 15 of 19 January 2017

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent continue to look at the life of Jacob, covering Genesis 32–35.Uncut Gems (2019 film) — JustWatchAleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 14 The Companion for BEMA 14 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 14 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 7 April 2025 Original audio from 12 January 2017 Transcript for BEMA 14 of 12 January 2017

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent begin our look at the life of Jacob, starting with Genesis 25 and moving through Chapter 31.Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.God Was in This Place & I, I Did Not Know by Rabbi Lawrence KushnerGenesis: A Parsha Companion by Rabbi David Fohrman Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 13 The Companion for BEMA 13 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 13 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 31 March 2025 Original audio from 5 January 2017 Transcript for BEMA 13 of 5 January 2017

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings cover the life of Isaac as told in Genesis 24 and 26, where we begin to see the initial realization of God’s promise to Abraham.Impact Campus Ministries Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 12 The Companion for BEMA 12 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 12 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 24 March 2025 Original audio from 15 December 2016 Transcript for BEMA 12 of 15 December 2016

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Josh Bossé continue to look at the kind of partner God has chosen in Abraham.Here I Am Presentation (PDF)BEMA 210: Midrash — The Man in the Fur CoatAnd They Walked Together: More Than Blind Loyalty — Aleph BetaAleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership. Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 11 The Companion for BEMA 11 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 11 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 17 March 2025 Original audio from 8 December 2016 Transcript for BEMA 11 of 8 December 2016

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings work through Genesis 15–17, continuing to look at the evolving partnership between God and Abram.Walking the Blood Path Presentation (PDF)Aleph Beta AcademySubscribe to Aleph Beta AcademyBEMA listeners can use code friendsofbema for one month off of a monthly Premium membership.History of male circumcision — WikipediaThe Epic of Eden by Sandra L. RichterSandra Richter, Ph.D.George DeJong, Under the Fig TreeThe Anchor Bible Dictionary, Volume I Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 10 The Companion for BEMA 10 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 10 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 10 March 2025 Original audio from 1 December 2016 Transcript for BEMA 10 of 1 December 2016

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings talk about Genesis 12–14, covering the call of Abram and his initial adventures in the land of Canaan. Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 9 The Companion for BEMA 9 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 9 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 3 March 2025 Original audio from 17 November 2016 Transcript for BEMA 9 of 17 November 2016

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to ask the question the Rabbis have asked over the centuries: Why did God choose Abraham?Buried in a Genealogy Presentation (PDF)Code of Hammurabi — WikipediaThe Epic of Eden by Sandra L. Richter“Sarah: Midrash and Aggadah” by Tamar Kadari — Jewish Women’s Archive[Legacy] Follow-up 1: BEMA 208: Midrash — Iscah, Sarai, and Birth Orders[Legacy] Follow-up 2: BEMA FAQ: Abram, Sarai & Iscah — Marty Solomon, YouTube Study Tools Discussion Video for BEMA 8 The Companion for BEMA 8 Take Your Own Notes Transcript for BEMA 8 Legacy Episode Content Episode updated 24 February 2025 Original audio from 10 November 2016 Transcript for BEMA 8 of 10 November 2016